5 of the best walking trousers to buy in 2021
We reviewed and tested five of the best men's and women's walking trousers, looking at whether they are waterproof, lightweight and breathable, how comfortable they are and value for money.
Published:
Our review guide on the best walking trousers for women and men includes some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to buying walking trousers: Are the walking trousers lightweight and breathable? How quickly do the walking trousers dry? How comfortable are they? Are they suitable for long-distance walking? And what are the best walking trousers for value for money?
The guide includes a range of walking trousers, so whether you’re heading out on a coastal stroll, a mountain trek or even an epic multi-day hike, we’ll have the right pair for you.
If you’re looking to update you walking gear wardrobe, also check out the best walking shoes, the best waterproof and lightweight jackets and the best gifts for walkers.
How to choose the best walking trousers
When choosing walking trousers, is good to ask yourself a few key questions: Are you looking for a pair of summer walking trousers or winter walking trousers – or do you want them to suit all seasons? Do you want them to be durable and heavy duty, protecting you as much as possible against wind and rain, or are you looking for something more lightweight, breathable and quick drying? What is your budget? And do you have a preference when it comes to materials? Sustainability, for example, may be an important factor.
All of these question will help narrow down your search, which can sometimes become a process of elimination.
Once you’ve narrowed it down, reassess each option, taking note of key features such as the number of pockets, whether the trousers zip off and if they come with a belt. How heavy are they, are they made of flexible material and can you treat them to help repel water? It’s also a good idea to look at reviews by customers who have already tested the trousers – they might have some helpful advice.
Then it just a case of buying the trousers and getting outside.
Best walking trousers at a glance
- Wayfarer Straight pant, Salomon
- Odin Huggin Pant, Helly Hansen
- Kiwi Pro II Trousers, Craghoppers
- Runbold Hiking Pants, Mammut
- Greenland Jeans, Fjallraven
Best walking trousers to buy in 2021
Wayfarer Straight pant, Salomon
Buy at Amazon, for £80
In the Alps and the longer North American trails, there’s a growing interest in hiking at pace. These trousers from French firm Salomon reflect that ethos. So light, soft and stretchy you can barely feel them, these are very pleasant to wear on the trail, in warm to mild autumn weather. On really chilly days they could be a little skimpy – unless you like to move really fast. While DWR treatment will repel some water, the fabric soon gets soaked in steady rain; but it dries quickly.
They have a neat, uncluttered appearance with four discreet zippered pockets (two at the hip, on leg and one rear), making them pretty adaptable to the workplace or pub. The elasticated waist can be tightened using Velcro tabs, or opt to wear a belt. www.salomon.com
Best for: mild-weather backpacking; fast-moving hikes in mild to cool weather; shortish trips by bike; lightweight travel
More related content:
- Best kit for multi-day hikes: boots, clothing, bags and camping equipment
- Down jackets for winter walks
- Best hiking boots
Odin Huggin Pant, Helly Hansen
Buy from Helly Hansen for £160
Billed as all-season, these technical trousers really come into their own between autumn and spring. The softshell fabric is windproof and yet it also achieves Helly Hansen’s maximum rating for breathability. It contrives to feel really substantial while remaining reasonably light at 570g.
There is plenty of stretch, and some neat articulation to help you flex knees comfortably on uphill stretches. The elasticated waist can be tightened using Velcro tabs. I like the hook on the hem, which allows you to attach the trouser leg to your boot laces, in lieu of gaiters, and the cuffs, which can be secured neatly around your boot-tops.
Zips on the lower leg allow you to pull them on and off without removing your boots… handy if the weather turns warm and you want to switch to shorts. The three pockets are zippered – two at the hip and one thigh.
The designed has a couple of mildly flamboyant touches that bring to mind garments for the climbing and snowboarding fraternity: the fly is set at an angle and finished with a pair of poppers; and the lining at the waist is florescent yellow. www.hellyhansen.com
- Material: 96% polyamide, 6% elastane
- Weight: 570g
- For men and women (renamed the Odin Muninn Pant)
Best for: Serious hikes between autumn and spring; windy uplands
Kiwi Pro II Trousers, Craghoppers
Buy from Craghoppers for £50
Like the other trousers in this test, these don’t come bulging with bellows pockets and other technical bells and whistles. But they quietly include some very useful features for walkers. There are four zipped pockets, two at the hip, one each on the rear and thigh. The fabric is stretchy enough to allow you to move freely. The waist is elasticated (though not adjustable).
The fabric felt a little less breathable on test than the Salomon and Mammut trousers, but would offer good protection in cooler weather, and yet remains light at just 340g. Finally, as usual with Craghoppers gear, the price is relatively affordable. www.craghoppers.com
- Material: 96% polyamide, 4% elastane
- Weight: 340g
Best for: Walks between autumn and spring; travel
More related content:
- Best walks in the Peak District National Park
- Best walks in Dartmoor National Park
- Best walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park
- Best walks in the Cairngorms National Park
Runbold Hiking Pants, Mammut
Buy from Mammut for £90
Close-fitting but super-stretchy, these trousers allow you to move freely, and are both breathable and quick-drying. The ultra-light fabric won’t keep you warm if you linger on chilly days, but that’s not the point: these are for designed for moving at pace. You could almost think of them as an alternative to the kind of leggings worn by runners and cyclists – and may even appeal to those enthusiasts.
They have a simple, clean design, so that even the thigh pocket is well concealed. My only slight issue was the seam just above the knee, which I occasionally noticed dragging a little on uphill stretches. www.mammut.com/uk/en
Best for: Mild-weather backpackers and other lightweight travellers; moving at pace in cool weather; winter trail runs; shortish bike rides
Greenland Jeans, Fjallraven
Buy from Fjallraven for £130
These tough trousers will tempt those who like to spend long hours roaming outdoors between autumn and spring. The sturdy fabric – G1000 Eco, made of recycled polyester and organic cotton – protects you from wind and cold, and is treated with wax to keep out the worst of the rain. Serious hill hikers will probably look for something with more give or articulation at the knees. But if you’re the kind of walker to whom technical-style clothing doesn’t appeal, or you tend to linger outside working, wildlife-watching, mooching about in the woods or walking the dog, these make ideal protection for the dark months. There are five pockets – a pair each at hip and rear, and a thigh pocket big enough for a map. www.fjallraven.co.uk
- Material: G1000 Eco fabric – 65% recycled polyester, 35% organic cotton
- Weight: 390g
Best for: Autumn and winter rambles; dog walking; wildlife-watching; working outdoors
